Why you need travel insurance

Travel is one of the most exciting experiences in life, but it can also come with unexpected challenges. Whether you're heading to a sunny beach, exploring a new city, or visiting family abroad, being prepared is vital. Travel insurance is one of the best ways to protect yourself during your travels. For Canadian travellers, having the right coverage can save you from significant financial and emotional stress.

In this article, we'll explore six reasons travel insurance is worth having. Read on to discover why travel insurance should be essential to your travel plans.

1. Medical emergencies

Unexpected medical emergencies can strike while travelling. Whether it's a sudden illness or an accident, healthcare costs can escalate quickly—especially outside Canada. Foreign hospitals can be costly and often require upfront cash payments. Canadian health insurance is rarely valid outside the country, and your provincial or territorial plan may offer little to no coverage. 

Travel insurance provides essential coverage for emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor visits and even medical evacuation if needed. Without this protection, you could receive hefty medical bills not covered by your Canadian health insurance or provincial plan.

2. Trip interruption

Imagine being halfway through your trip when you receive news of an emergency back home. You must cut your vacation short, but flights and accommodations are already booked. Trip interruption insurance covers the additional expenses of returning home early due to unforeseen events such as illness, family emergencies or natural disasters. It helps ensure you're not left out of pocket for a trip that didn't go as planned.

3. Trip cancellation

Sometimes, trips get cancelled before they even start. Whether due to illness, family emergencies, job loss, or other uncontrollable factors, cancelling a trip can lead to significant financial setbacks. Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for non-refundable expenses such as flights, hotels, and tour bookings. This coverage is particularly valuable if you're booking non-refundable travel arrangements in advance.

4. Accidental death or dismemberment

While it's not something we like to consider, serious accidents can happen while travelling, making it important to ensure you have the financial protection you need. In the unfortunate event of an accidental death, travel insurance can cover the preparation and return of your remains to Canada and provide financial support to your beneficiaries. This coverage offers peace of mind to travellers and their loved ones, knowing they are protected, should the unthinkable happen.

5. Baggage coverage

Losing your luggage or having it delayed can be incredibly frustrating, especially if it contains essential items for your trip. Travel insurance can help cover the cost of lost, stolen or damaged luggage and reimburse you for personal necessities if your baggage is missing. In the event of mishandled baggage, you won't have to bear the total cost of replacing your belongings. Some plans will even offer coverage for stolen currency if you're the victim of theft or robbery.

6. Rental car protection

Renting a car is often a convenient way to explore a new destination, but it comes with risks. Accidents, theft or damages to the rental vehicle can lead to high repair or replacement costs. Rental car protection covers these expenses and saves you from paying out of pocket. This is especially useful when driving in unfamiliar places or countries where traffic laws and driving conditions may differ from what you're used to in Canada.

Travel insurance shouldn't only be considered an optional add-on; it's essential to travel planning. From medical emergencies to lost baggage, trip interruptions, and rental car accidents, travel insurance offers protection against the unexpected. Knowing that you're covered no matter what happens will give you peace of mind when you're far from home.

If you're planning your next adventure and need information on travel insurance, contact an Orbit insurance broker for a free quote. Our trusted partners at Blue Cross and TuGo offer coverage for single and multi-trip plans tailored to your needs—regardless of age or health status. Travel with peace of mind, knowing you and your journey are well-protected.